Bike Euclid

by Kath Sonnhalter

The big news this month is the Second Annual Bike to the Beach - Sims Park Beach Party, June 26, 2015. Join Bike Euclid in welcoming Cleveland Critical Mass for a beach party at Sims Park. Local residents are invited to join in the ride as it passes through your neighborhood. A Euclid ‘Mini-Mass’ will gather at Cebar’s Euclid Tavern (595 East 185th Street) at 8pm. Cleveland Critical Mass will leave downtown Cleveland at 7pm, will be at the intersection of East 185th St & Lakeshore Blvd. at approximately 8:30pm, and will arrive at Sims Park in time for sunset. All times are estimates.

On to other concerns, though May was “National Bike to work month” bike commuters can be seen traversing our fair city throughout the year, in addition Lakeshore Boulevard is a major route frequented by people pedaling cross country (www.AdventureCycling.org). Growing up in Euclid, I got around exclusively by bike and many children still ride around our neighborhoods. Bike Euclid encourages everyone to be safe and mindful of those with whom you share the road.

As a driver, drive smart. Keep a safe distance: Give cyclists at least 3 feet when you pass them. Share the Road: Bikes are legal vehicles so a bicyclist may use the full lane (ORC 4511.01, 4511.55). And finally, pay attention: In a pedestrian and bike friendly city such as ours, one should expect bikes on the road and pedestrians in the crosswalks. Always look for and yield to pedestrians and people riding bikes.

When riding a bike, ride smart and, when possible, ride together in a group. Ride with the flow: Always ride with the flow of traffic and pass slower moving vehicles on the left (ORC 4511.25, 4511.27). Be bright: Bike lights are required at night – white in front and red in back (ORC4511.56). Follow the rules of the road: Bikes are legal vehicles so a person riding a bike must follow all of the laws of the road (ORC 4511.01). And finally, be predictable: Use hand signals when turning or stopping and only when safe to do so (ORC 4511.39).